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Monthly Archives: January 2015

So I had the thought that I would get back on track this year and blog every day, like when I first started, or at the very least, more often. Now while I’m doing things from Pinterest, I’m failing to blog. Bad Stevie, bad!
Our pantry is a little light until payday, so we’re playing the game of what do we have and what can I make with it.
I found this simple recipe on Pinterest, where else, and I had everything I needed.
All you need for this is:
•1 lb raw shrimp, peeled, deveined and tails removed (I had this buried in my freezer)
•3 cloves garlic, minced – divided (I still have a ton of pre-minced garlic from when we made our own)
•1 tablespoon lemon zest (I used a splash of lemon juice as I have no lemons to zest)
•1 tablespoon vegetable oil (this is a staple for us)
•3 tablespoons butter (as is butter)
•1 tablespoon basil, chopped fine (I usually have basil in my spice cabinet, sorry not fresh stuff)
•4 oz dry linguine (I used spaghetti and we always have pasta because I’m married to an Italian)
•Grated parmesan (again, married to an Italian)

Start by putting your poor naked shrimp in a bowl with the oil, lemon zest and 1 tsp of garlic. Stir it up and let it sit while you make your pasta.
The directions said to cook one minute less than normal, but I went into default mode and cooked it like normal. Don’t just drain all of your pasta water, save 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of the water. You’ll need it later!

Throw your butter into a large skillet with the rest of your garlic, and let the butter melt. Once it’s starting to smell delicious, add your shrimp, marinade and all, to the skillet and cook until the shrimp starts to change color. Add your basil and stir it all until well mixed.

Add your drained noodles to the shrimp skillet and mix it all together. Remember the water you saved from the noodles? Start by adding 1/4 cup of the water to your pasta. You want a kind of sauce to form from the butter. Sticky pasta is no good!
Add a little water as needed, but don’t go overboard.
The whole family loved this dish. I needed to add a little salt and pepper to taste, but it was so good, we’ll definitely be having it again!
Happy dining!

Well, 2015, what will you bring? Tony keeps saying he’s ready for the new year, last year not being the best. I, on the other hand, am looking forward to seeing what the new year holds for us.

Last year was a great one for me professionally. I was promoted to assistant manager, I’ve had the opportunity to work with, and learn from, a fantastic team.

I get to dress a little more professional too!

The kids have been amazing, as always! Arthur is starting to speak so much more clearly. I don’t think I’ve mentioned it before, but he suffers from a speech impediment, something most men in my family have as children. He’s become quite the chatterbox, which I’ve really been enjoying.

He’s such a big boy!

Chiara is really coming into her own, asserting herself, sometimes more than I’d like, but really showing us who she is!

Quite the little diva!

Tony and I celebrated our eighth wedding anniversary. I’m even more in love with him than I was the day we said “I do”.

My honey and I on the Skywheel in Myrtle Beach.

I was also lucky enough to see a dear friend of mine from high school say “I do” with a man who I have come to love as much as I do her.
Kevin and Mia saying “I do” on Surfside Beach, SC.

We did say goodbye to my grandmother this year, but I am able to accept that she’s at peace, and in a much better place now.

Grandma, many years ago.

We celebrated another family wedding, always full of fun for everyone.

The new Mr. and Mrs.

So all in all, I think 2014 was a fantastic year! If 2015 is half as great, I will be quite pleased!